Vitamin Z

80s Electro-pop band, Vitamin Z were founded by Geoff Barradale and Nick Lockwood in Sheffield, UK. - a city notable for artists such as as Joe Cocker, Human League, Pulp and Arctic Monkeys. Barradale and Lockwood recorded their Geffen debut, Rites Of Passage in 1985 . It featured an impressive cast of supporting musicians, including Peter Gabriel, drummer Jerry Marotta, Chris Merrick Hughes, (percussionist for Adam Ant), guitarist Neil Hubbard, violinist Simon House and arranger Ann Dudley. An especially integral part of the Rites Of Passage sessions was guitarist David Rhodes, perhaps best known for his work with Peter Gabriel and Blancmange. David went on to become a full-fledged member of Vitamin Z. Produced and recorded by Ross Cullum, Rites Of Passage featured eight Barradale/Lockwood originals including their debut single "Burning Flame." After a promising first single and a tour supporting Midge Ure, the band appeared to lose momentum and the second album, "Sharp Stone Rain" was not released until 1989 - by which time the record buying public appeared to have lost interest and Vitamin Z disappeared completely off the radar. Lead singer, Geoff Barradale has subsequently re-emerged as manager to the Arctic Monkeys, guiding them to phenomenal success.